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Birefringent - 3 dictionary results

bi⋅re⋅frin⋅gence

   [bahy-ri-frin-juhns]
–noun Optics.
double refraction.
Origin:
1885–90; bi- 1 + refringence
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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bi·re·frin·gence     (bī'rĭ-frĭn'jəns)  Pronunciation Key 
n.   The resolution or splitting of a light wave into two unequally reflected or transmitted waves by an optically anisotropic medium such as calcite or quartz. Also called double refraction.

bi're·frin'gent adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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birefringent

adjective
relating to or characterized by double refraction 

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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